The Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship offers valuable support for students pursuing higher degrees by research (HDRs), such as research master’s or doctoral degrees, in Australia. This programme provides block grants to eligible higher education providers (HEPs/universities) to fund both domestic and international students.
Administered by individual universities rather than centrally by the government, the RTP helps develop highly skilled graduates for careers in academia, industry, and beyond, while encouraging collaboration between universities and research end-users.
Key Objectives of the RTP
- Offer flexible funding to train domestic and overseas students in HDR programmes at Australian universities.
- Produce graduates equipped with skills for academic and non-academic careers.
- Foster partnerships between universities, industry, and other research stakeholders.
Benefits of the RTP Scholarship
Successful applicants receive comprehensive support, including:
- Tuition fees offset — Full coverage of tuition costs for the duration of the programme.
- Stipend for living expenses — A tax-free annual payment to support general living costs. For 2026, the full-time base rate is $34,315, with a maximum rate of $53,608 (universities set the exact amount within this range using their RTP allocation).
- Allowances — Additional support for ancillary HDR costs, such as relocation, thesis printing, or other approved expenses (where applicable).
Stipend rates are indexed annually (effective 1 January), with the following year’s rates announced by 1 October. Rates apply to full-time students; part-time stipends are typically 50% of the full-time rate. Note that individual universities may offer stipends above the base rate (many do, often around $37,000–$42,000+, depending on the institution).
Scholarship duration is generally up to 3–4 years for a PhD (full-time) or up to 2 years for a research master’s, with possible extensions in certain circumstances (e.g., for approved leave).
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for an RTP scholarship, you must:
- Be a domestic (Australian citizen/permanent resident/New Zealand citizen) or international student.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognised university.
- Meet the specific entry requirements for a research master’s or doctoral degree at your chosen Australian university.
- Be applying to undertake (or already enrolled in) a higher degree by research (HDR) at an eligible HEP.
Eligibility and selection are determined by each university, so check their specific policies.
Participating Universities
RTP funding is available at most Australian universities offering HDR programmes. Examples include:
- Avondale University
- Bond University
- Central Queensland University
- Charles Darwin University
- Charles Sturt University
- Curtin University
- Deakin University
- Flinders University
- Griffith University
- James Cook University
- La Trobe University
- Macquarie University
- Monash University
- Murdoch University
- Queensland University of Technology
For the full official list of eligible higher education providers, visit the Department of Education’s page: Here.
How to Apply for the Australian Government RTP Scholarship (Step-by-Step)
RTP scholarships are not applied for directly through the Australian Government. Instead, they are managed and awarded by individual universities. Follow these steps:
- Research your programme and university — Identify Australian universities offering your desired research master’s or PhD programme. Review their HDR courses, supervisors, and research strengths.
- Check eligibility and deadlines — Visit the university’s graduate research or scholarships website. Confirm you meet their entry requirements, English language standards (if international), and any RTP-specific criteria. Note application rounds and closing dates (these vary by university and often align with academic intakes, e.g., for 2026 start).
- Contact the university directly — Reach out to the university’s postgraduate research office, potential supervisors, or HDR admissions team. Discuss your research proposal, supervision availability, and how to apply for RTP funding. Many require an expression of interest or supervisor endorsement first.
- Prepare and submit your application — Apply for admission to the HDR programme at your chosen university (this is usually required before or alongside scholarship consideration). Include supporting documents such as academic transcripts, CV, research proposal, referee reports, and proof of English proficiency (if needed). Indicate your interest in RTP funding on the application form.
- Apply to multiple universities if desired — You may submit applications to more than one institution, as RTP is competitive and university-specific.
- Await selection outcome — Universities assess applications based on academic merit, research potential, and alignment with their priorities. If selected, the university will notify you of the RTP offer (including stipend level).